Police Assure Public of Adequate Presence for Elections

Deputy Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour, in charge of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Northern Division, on Tuesday, May 9, assured residents of Grand Bahama that an adequate police presence will be seen and felt in and around all seven polling stations of Grand Bahama and Abaco as the country goes into its General Election on May 10. Shown from left are: ACP Clarence Reckley, Deputy Commissioner Seymour; and ACP Paul Rolle. (BIS Photo/Vandyke Hepburn)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Deputy Commissioner of Police Emrick Seymour, in charge of the Northern Bahamas, during a press conference at Police Headquarters,Tuesday, stated adequate police presence will be in place in all seven constituencies making up the Northern Bahamas for the country’s General Election on Wednesday, May 10, 2017

With the police being responsible for providing services before, during and after the elections, all of the policing plans have been put in place and adequate officers will be stationed at and around the various polling stations.

He said, “All of the polling divisions tomorrow in the seven constituencies in Grand Bahama and Abaco will be adequately and appropriately policed to ensure that law and order is kept and maintained before, during and after the electoral process.”

Leading up to the General Election, Mr. Seymour added, there have been some “scrimmages” where people on both sides of the divide have been “hyped”.

Emotions are running high, he continued, and said that for those who are going out to vote, “If you are coming, I’m asking you to conduct yourself appropriately, conduct yourself in accordance with the law because we are looking out for any act of criminality wherever it may happen, or wherever we see it.”

Officers of the Force, he said, have been instructed to ensure that law and order are maintained.

Operators of liquor stores and bars were also reminded to remain closed: if they open, they will be doing so illegally.

Other laws to be followed include: no campaigning within 300 feet of the polling stations.

“We have been known in the past for conducting proper elections over the years, and I have no reservations or doubt that tomorrow will perhaps follow the same pattern. But I caution any law breaker that in the event any act of criminality rears its ugly head, the police department will be out in full force and will deal with it swiftly and in accordance with the law,” he said.